SHILLONG:
Thousands of ad hoc teachers from all over the state under the aegis of Federation of All School Teachers of Meghalaya (FASTOM) took out a march in the city on Friday demanding a hike in their salaries.
The teachers want an enhancement of their salaries by Rs 18,000 and a five per cent annual increment. Their other demand is upgradation from ad hoc to deficit system.
The protesters took out the march from Malki ground to MBOSE office, Meghalaya Secretariat and IGP, holding banners and placards with messages that read, ‘Education can’t be a top priority if teachers are not happy’, another placard read, ‘Don’t make the teaching fraternity a begging community.’
Later, leaders of the FASTOM met officials of the Education department, Commissioner and Secretary BDR Tiwari and Secretary Ambrose Ch. Marak.
Emerging from the meeting, FASTOM spokesperson Mayborn Lyngdoh said that during their meeting with the officials they received a “half-hearted” assurance on their demands.
“They said that the file has reached this office and from here it will be sent to the planning and the finance departments,” Lyngdoh said.
Lyngdoh also said that it appeared the government was trying to buy time.
The FASTOM spokesperson said that if it takes three months for the file to move from the directorate to this office then it is going to take another six months for it to move from there to the planning and finance departments.
According to Lyngdoh, this government will cease to function in the next five months since the state is going to polls early next year.
He also said that the ad hoc teachers are not willing to wait for the next government to look into their demands.
Meanwhile, Marak informed that the Education department is following up on the demands of the ad hoc teachers.
“The proposed amount has already been prepared, including the financial implication, and we have submitted to the department and it is being actively considered, which will soon be submitted to the planning and finance departments and we are committed to expedite the matter,” Marak said.